Prelims Focus 22nd March 2025

Project Pari

In News: The Ministry of Culture  is dedicated to keeping public art installations created under the Public Art of India (PARI) assignment. 

• It is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Culture to celebrate and enhance the general public art scene in India. 
• It is completed through the Lalit Kala Akademi and the National Gallery of Modern Art.
• It showcases India’s diverse regional artwork, including Phad, Thangka, Gond, and Warli, by over 200 artists.
• At present, the ‘Public Art of India’ (PARI) mission has been applied handiest in Delhi.
• It aims to stimulate talk and reflection via public artwork that blends India’s rich cultural heritage with current themes
• It is part of the continuous attempt of the Government in blending India’s wealthy cultural history with modern-day issues in public artwork by presenting incentives to the talented artists.

World Happiness Report 2025

In News: The Wellbeing Research Centre has released the World Happiness Report 2025.

• Published by: University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre in partnership with Gallup, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
• Parameters: Social help, GDP per capita, health, life expectancy, freedom, generosity and belief of corruption.
• Ranking: Finland emerged as the ‘happiest’ country once more, accompanied by Denmark and Iceland.
• Afghanistan ranked the lowest accompanied by Sierra Leone and Lebanon.
• India ranked 118 out of 147 countries, India’s lowest rating was 144 on the list in 2012, even as its rankings peaked in 2022 at 94.

Navroz

In News: Navroz, also known as Nowruz or the Persian New Year, was celebrated on March 20, 2025. 

• This ancient festival, which translates to “new day,” marks the arrival of spring and symbolizes renewal and rebirth. 
• With roots in Zoroastrianism, Nowruz has been observed for over 3,000 years and is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• It is celebrated by approximately 300 million people across various regions, including Iran, Central Asia, and among Parsi communities in India. 
• The festivities include rituals such as cleaning homes, setting up a Haft-Seen table with symbolic items, and visiting fire temples for prayers. 
• In India, the Parsi community honors this day with traditional attire, communal gatherings, and charitable acts, reflecting their commitment to compassion and renewal as they welcome the new year with hope and joy.

Eri silk

In News: The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Ltd. (NEHHDC), under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining the Oeko-Tex certification from Germany for its eri silk.

• This certification, announced on March 20, 2025, enhances the credibility of eri silk and strengthens its position in the international market by assuring buyers of compliance with global safety and quality standards.
• Eri silk, primarily produced in northeastern states like Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh, is known as “Ahimsa Silk” or “Peace Silk” because it is harvested without killing the silkworms. 
• This eco-friendly production method aligns with the growing demand for sustainable textiles globally. 
• The Oeko-Tex certification guarantees that textiles are free from harmful substances, making them safe for human use and appealing to ethical consumers.

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